Library
Search
Home / Romance / The "EX" Factor / Chapter Seventy

Share

Chapter Seventy

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-06 22:21:43

Caleb's remarks cut through the clamor of the gala, low and methodical. "I said, what's going on here, Samantha?"

I gripped my champagne flute tightly, as if the frail glass could somehow anchor me.

My glance flickered to the crowd, but no one seemed to notice the tension building at the room's edge.

"I don't understand," I murmured, throwing a confused tone into my voice. My words came out more steadily than I expected, but my chest tightened.

Caleb tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. "You don't understand?" He made a short step forward, his glare scorching. "Do not play games with me. What's this? Wife? Tyler Will's wife? "How, Samantha?"

I drew a breath, my pulse pounding against my temples. The falsehood developed before I could stop it, the words coming forth like if rehearsed.

"It's not a game," I said, each syllable measured and deliberate. "I'm Tyler's wife. We've been married for years.

His brow furrowed, and disbelief flashed across his gaze. "Married? Since wh
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP
Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Related chapters

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyOne

    Tyler strode briskly beside Samantha, his hand resting on the small of her back as they navigated the sparkling crowd. Samantha was well aware of the strain in his jaw, despite his placid expression. Tyler appeared to morph as soon as they left Caleb behind, his body language emitting a quiet assurance that made her feel as if he was protecting her from something... or someone. Samantha, on the other hand, appeared uneasy. Her thoughts raced, entwined with remorse and frustration. Caleb's voice replayed in her head, his agony and astonishment like needles pricking her skin. She had just harmed someone who did not deserve it. And for what? To continue this ludicrous charade? She stared at Tyler, who appeared curiously satisfied. There was no doubt he had spotted Caleb's presence and seize the opportunity to assert his position. The arrogant gleam in his eye said it all. "So, what was that back there?" Samantha inquired gently, trying to mask her annoyance. Tyler's smile de

    Last Updated : 2024-12-08

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyTwo

    Typically, the hum of the gallery provided comfort. Today, it was oppressive. I sat behind the counter, flicking through invoices without actually seeing the words. Margaret's voice repeated in my head, her shrill, scornful tone ripping into my self-esteem like a vulture tearing through carrion. * "Do away with her.. or I'll help you do it." * It wasn't the first time I had been told I wasn't good enough for the Wills family. But hearing it again, after everything, seemed like going back to the beginning. Tyler had stood up for me. I saw it in his eyes last night as he walked away from Margaret. But did that indicate he really thought I belonged in his world? I closed my eyes and sat back in my chair, the weight of the previous days weighing down on me. Margaret's comments were one thing, but Caleb's visage and voice had tormented me throughout the night. His eyes were filled with disbelief, as if he were looking at me for the first time. And he wasn't wrong, right? I did

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyThree

    I looked at Tyler, his eyes narrowing slightly as he repeated his question. "Who's messaging you, Sam?" The air between us was dense with anxiety. My phone felt like it weighted a hundred pounds in my hand, the screen dimming but the words remained etched in my memory. Ignoring me will not make me go away. I could not tell him the truth. Not now. Not after all. "It's just a friend," I said calmly, although my heart racing like a jackrabbit. "Someone from the gallery." Tyler's eyes lingered, looking for flaws in my demeanor. I held his gaze, forcing myself to remain calm even as my palms sweated. "A friend," he repeated, his tone bland, but there was a hint of uncertainty. "Yes," I said firmly, placing my phone in my pocket. "Is that a problem?" He took out a deep breath and shook his head. "No. "I just thought..." "You thought what?" I insisted, folding my arms as if I were the offended person. It was easier to remain on the defensive than to let him explore farther.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyFour

    As I placed a new item on the center display.. a vibrant abstract painting that seemed to pulsate with life beneath the afternoon sun.. the gallery was filled with the gentle buzz of conversation. A small group of people behind me were whispering their enthusiasm, and I felt a brief sense of satisfaction at their amazement. Here, at least, my work wasn't crumbling. "Pardon me, miss?" With joy in her voice, one of my employees called out. Someone has come in to inquire about that artwork in the corner. Shall I inform him that it is reserved? I brushed my hands off my skirt and turned. "Which one?" Before she could answer, the smooth, familiar tone of a voice pierced through the air. "I actually want to hear your personal opinion on it, Samantha." My heart stumbled over itself as I froze. Caleb. His hands were casually tucked into the pockets of his fitted coat as he stood by the far wall, his presence as imposing as ever. His lips formed a tiny smile that could disarm an

    Last Updated : 2024-12-09

  • The "EX" Factor    chapter SeventyFive

    The gentle buzz of discussion in the Wills family estate dining room faded as Tyler stormed through the spacious hallways, his mouth set and his strides purposeful. The quiet click of his shoes on the smooth floor reflected his growing irritation. The weight of what he'd overheard pressed on him, with each word of Margaret's gossip about Samantha replaying in his head. He opened the double doors to the parlor without knocking. Margaret was near the grand piano, with an exquisite tea set on the tiny table in front of her. She looked up, shocked by the intrusion, but her surprise soon changed into a smug smile. "Tyler," she greeted, pretending innocence. "What a nice surprise. Would you like to join me for tea? He rejected the invitation and closed the doors behind him with a decisive click. "We need to talk." Margaret raised an eyebrow and reclined slightly in her chair. "Oh? "About what?" "About the rumors you're spreading about Samantha," he spoke frankly, his voice cutt

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventySix

    The tap-tap-tap of my fingers on the keyboard broke the silence of the gallery office. It was late, way past the time I should have locked up and gone home, but the questions churning in my head wouldn't let me sleep. Caleb. His statements and actions didn't add up. Bella's warnings lingered with me, even if I attempted to ignore them. The screen's illumination illuminated my face as I leaned in, browsing through articles, company reports, and obscure mentions of his name.At first, nothing looked alarming—just a few generic write-ups about his company's success and charitable contributions. But then, lurking between the lines, I discovered the break. A lawsuit in London. Terms like *breach of contract*, *embezzlement*, and *fraud* stood out to me. A scandal in which former employees claimed they were silenced. The pieces were vague, with few specifics, as if someone had labored hard to hide the truth. The Caleb I knew, or believed I knew, did not fit this picture. The gentl

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventySeven

    Samantha flung the stack of printed documents onto the table as soon as she approached him, her hand quivering but her stare unwavering. "Explain this." Caleb, seated comfortably and holding a glass of wine, lifted an eyebrow. His lips twisted into a languid grin, as if expecting her to tell a joke."Sam, if this is one of your expensive pranks, you really outdid yourself this time." He chuckled while reaching for his drink. She did not laugh. She did not even blink. His smile wavered. "What's this?" he inquired, his tone more guarded. "Look at it," she said, her tone stern and almost chilly. Caleb placed down the glass and took up the papers, frowning slightly. When his eyes scanned the top of the page, his entire demeanor changed. His shoulders tensed, and his knuckles turned white as he grabbed the paper's edges. He returned her gaze with a pallid countenance and a shattered composure. "Where did you get this?" he said, his voice low, nearly whispering. "That's not t

    Last Updated : 2024-12-11

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyEight

    Tyler slammed the door to his office behind him, rattling the glass walls as he stormed in. His tie was loosened, and his normally calm demeanor was shattered. He hurled the file in his hand across his desk, scattering papers in all directions. His assistant, Ben, followed warily, keeping his distance as Tyler dropped into his chair and put his palms against his temples. "Get Accounts in here," Tyler demanded, his voice quiet but furious. "Now." Ben nodded swiftly and backed out of the room to deliver the order. Tyler leaned back and stared at the ceiling, his thoughts whirling.The numbers did not deceive. Millions of dollars had been withdrawn from the company's accounts, and the loss had shaken its financial foundation. The client they had previously met with had noticed the flaws and walked away from the agreement, citing concerns about the company's solvency. Tyler exhaled hard, his chest constricting as the gravity of the situation weighed down on him. The client was i

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

Latest chapter

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter Hundred

    The grand ballroom shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the sound of champagne flutes clinking and murmured conversation filling the air. Samantha stood near the gallery's exhibit, her sleek black gown hugging her frame as she nodded politely to the guests admiring her work. Tonight was supposed to be about her achievements, a celebration of how far she’d come. But the unease brewing in her chest said otherwise. “Breathe, Sam,” Ann whispered beside her, leaning in with a teasing grin. “You’ve already got half the room in awe. Just enjoy it.” Samantha managed a small smile, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Easier said than done.” “Relax. I’m here for moral support. Plus, there’s an open bar,” Ann added with a wink before sauntering off. Samantha turned her attention back to a potential buyer in front of her, plastering on a professional smile. She was mid-conversation when she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure at the entrance. Daniel. Her heart gav

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyNine

    I stared at my laptop's glowing screen, pretending to concentrate on the email drafts in front of me. The gallery's most recent collection had been a hit; the evaluations were coming in, and new opportunities were opening up. But no matter how hard I tried to focus on my work, my mind kept wandering back to the disaster my life had become. I groaned, leaned back in my chair, and ran my hand through my hair. What'm I doing? The notion rang louder than usual, filling the silence around me. It was more than simply one thing. It was everything. Tyler. Caleb. Daniel. Each name yanked on a different part of my heart, leaving it raw and throbbing. My fingers tapped restlessly on the desk as I thought of Caleb. The way he approached Daniel and me at the restaurant, all smiles and nice words, like if he wasn't purposefully sowing mayhem in my life. I'd repeated that moment too many times, analyzing every gaze and measured pause. Caleb was not just a thorn in Tyler's side; he wa

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyEight

    "Caleb, could you please stop randomly visiting my gallery," I hissed, barely able to keep the anger out of my voice as I turned to face him. His presence loomed in the doorway, hands carelessly tucked into his coat pockets as if he deserved to be there."I've already told you we were done. I no longer want anything to do with you. "Do you not understand that?" My remarks came out faster than I wanted, but I was done with his games.Caleb inclined his head slightly, a sarcastic smirk creeping over his lips. "You don't mean that, Samantha.""Yes, I do." I took a step back, crossed my arms to stabilize myself. "What we had is over. Stop showing up uninvited. Stop phoning me. "Just... stop."He laughed quietly, sending shivers up my spine. "Unfortunately, I don't take orders, especially not from you."His sudden shift in tone was subtle but noticeable. The charm he had always relied on had vanished, replaced by something darker.I swallowed, attempting to hold my ground. "This is not h

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySeven

    The room was tight, with that smothering hush that comes only after bad news. Tyler sat at the head of the long, polished table in the conference room, his mouth clenched, his gaze fixed on the financial predictions on the screen. The numbers did not deceive. They formed a dismal picture that he couldn't ignore. "Can someone explain to me how the Hartwells managed to undercut us again?" His voice was sharp, but beyond the rage was tiredness... a man breaking at the seams. Across the table, his executive team exchanged anxious looks, with no one eager to respond. "Sir," one of the younger analysts finally said, "it appears they've secured a significant investment from overseas." It provided them with the liquidity to offer better conditions to Smith Corporation. Tyler threw his fist on the table, rattling the glasses of water in front of them. "And we hadn't seen this coming? "How did we miss this?" The head of market research admitted they did not have timely access to the

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySix

    When I answered Daniel's call, his warm voice immediately relieved some of the tension in my chest. "Samantha," he said smoothly. "I was hoping you'd be free for dinner tonight." Dinner? I paused, looking at my desk, which was stacked with paperwork. However, burying myself in work hasn't done much to quiet the noise in my head lately. "Dinner sounds great," I remarked, my tone lighter than I felt. "Perfect," he responded. "I'm in the Juniper Room. It's calm and private... one of my favorites. Do you want me to come pick you up? The offer caught me off surprise; it was a simple but considerate gesture. "Oh, no, it's fine," I responded immediately. "I am still at the gallery, but I will drive myself. "I need the drive anyway." There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his tone curious. “You sure everything’s okay?” “Absolutely,” I lied, forcing a smile even though he couldn’t see me. “Just been a long day, that’s all.” He didn’t push, thankfully, and aft

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyFive

    The soothing hum of my gallery filled the air as I sipped my coffee, my limbs working on autopilot as I placed the day's new items. I hadn't had time to catch my breath since yesterday's press frenzy.Everyone was still talking about their collaboration with Daniel's company. I should have been overjoyed, but instead I felt a peculiar heaviness. Maybe it was Ann's teasing call last night, or the countless queries about Daniel that flooded my inbox this morning. Or perhaps it was the familiar tug on my chest. The one who said Tyler's name when I didn't want to hear it. I shook the notion away and concentrated on the painting in front of me, changing the angle on the easel. My gallery, Artistry Heights, was my haven. Nothing could affect me here, or so I thought. The bell from the front door shocked me. I turned to greet the customer, but my heart dropped as I saw him. Tyler. He stood just inside the door, his tall figure rigid and his jaw set in an unsettling way that ma

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyFour

    I extended my arms above my head, wincing as my back protested the hours I'd spent crouched over my laptop. The quiet hum of the city filtered through the window, a constant reminder of the life that still thrived beyond Ann's apartment. The room was dim save for the brightness of my screen and the digital clock in the corner, which read 12:43 AM. My workspace was chaotic, with half-empty coffee cups, sticky notes with reminders, and a stack of sketches that needed to be finalized for an upcoming gallery assignment. I needed a distraction. The option was to let my thoughts drift back to Tyler. To Julia. Hello to everyone. God, I had been willing to give him another chance. Despite his aunt's harsh remarks and the mountains of baggage between us, I was prepared to try. But he'd shattered that fragile relationship with a truth I couldn't ignore: he was still sleeping with her. The notion twisted in my chest, harsh and cruel. I shook my head and concentrated on the image, r

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyThree

    "I'm going to kill you for this," I shouted into my phone as I paced near the door to Artistry Heights Gallery, my small haven that felt too huge to fill tonight. The clean area shone under warm golden lighting, with every nook perfectly displaying the handpicked designs I'd spent months creating. "I'm sorry!" Ann's voice crackled across the line. "There was traffic, and I had to stop for gas…" "You know I hate showing up to these things alone." I adjusted the neckline of my midnight blue gown, the fabric stroking across my skin as if it could soothe the anxiety churning inside me. "Please hurry up. "I am starting to feel like a stray dog at a purebred gala." "You'll be fine," Ann reassured me, her voice full of false confidence. "Just channel that CEO energy you always bragging about. "You got this!" Before I could respond, the call went dead. Typical Ann. I sighed, squared my shoulders, and walked into the center of the networking event. The gallery was humming with act

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyTwo

    Tyler slammed the conference room door behind him, sending reverberations through the office's quiet hallways. His chest heaved as he leaned against the wall, placing his hands against his temples. The meeting with Smith Corporation had been disastrous. Every word exchanged seemed like another brick crumbling from the flimsy wall that held his firm together. The Hartwell family. The Hartwells were circling like vultures, and Tyler's stomach churned at Smith Corp.'s shaky commitment to their alliance. He could feel the weight of each decision on his shoulders. If they lost the Smith deal, it would cause a domino effect, and he wasn't sure RindCorp would survive. His phone buzzed in his pocket, so he took it out, expecting a message from Ben. Instead, there was an email with a synopsis of their present financial situation. Tyler opened it, but the figures blurred together, leaving him unable to focus. He exhaled sharply, his throat tightening as frustration clawed at him. "Mr

You may also like

DMCA.com Protection Status